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Dog bites can cause severe injuries. So, the first step you should take after any bite is to see a doctor. If possible, use your phone to document the scene, but don’t put yourself in danger. Next, contact a lawyer.
When you consult an experienced North Carolina dog bite lawyer, they can advise you on what to do after a dog attack to protect your legal rights and your options for seeking full and fair compensation.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in North Carolina?
Protecting your health is most important after a dog bite in North Carolina. You must also safeguard your legal rights. You should do the following immediately after a dog bites you:
- Get medical attention – Even if your wound seems minor, you should see a doctor right away. Dog bites can introduce dangerous bacteria into your body, and you may need treatment to prevent an infection.
- Report the incident – Contact your local animal control agency or police department to file an official report. This step creates a formal record that can support your claim.
- Preserve and gather evidence – Take photos of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and anything else that documents the scene while the details are still fresh.
- Identify the dog owner – If possible, get the owner’s name, contact information, and proof of rabies vaccination before you leave the scene.
- Avoid talking to insurance companies alone – The job of insurance adjusters is to protect their company’s bottom line, so make sure you speak to an attorney before giving any recorded statements.
- Track your recovery – Keep a journal of your symptoms, medical appointments, and how your injuries affect your daily life. This evidence can significantly strengthen your case, particularly when seeking compensation for your pain and suffering.
What Are North Carolina’s Dog Bite Laws?
In general, the North Carolina dog bite statute makes a dog’s owner liable for injuries the dog causes when the owner knew or should have known their dog posed a danger to others. A dog owner might also be liable if they failed to take reasonable steps to restrain or control their animal. Factors like the dog’s history, the circumstances of the attack, and whether the owner violated any local leash laws or animal control ordinances all come into play when establishing liability.
What Is Strict Liability for ‘Dangerous Dogs’ in North Carolina?
North Carolina law defines a “dangerous dog” as one that has killed or severely injured another without provocation. Alternatively, a local animal control authority might designate a dog as dangerous or potentially dangerous based on its prior behavior. If a dog carries that designation and attacks you, the dog’s owner could be strictly liable for your injuries. Strict liability in a North Carolina dog bite means you do not need to prove the owner was careless or even aware that their dog might attack. The owner’s legal responsibility is automatic, making these cases easier to pursue.
What Is the ‘One-Bite Rule’ in NC Dog Bite Cases?
The so-called “one-bite rule” is a legal principle stating that a dog’s owner is not strictly liable for your injuries if the dog has not previously attacked anyone. However, the one-bite rule only applies if the dog’s owner did not know the dog was dangerous.
People often assume the one-bite rule prevents them from pursuing compensation for a dog bite injury, but that’s not the case. While the dog’s owner might not be strictly liable, you can still file a claim arguing that the dog’s owner was negligent and, in turn, liable for your injuries. An experienced dog bite lawyer can review your case and whether you have grounds for a negligence claim.
What Is the ‘10-Day Quarantine Rule’ in NC?
After a dog bites someone in North Carolina, state law requires the authorities to quarantine the dog for 10 days. Officials use this window to observe the dog for signs of rabies, as 10 days is the established period for determining whether the animal was infected at the time of the bite.
Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in North Carolina?
If someone else’s dog attacks and injures you in North Carolina, you may have grounds to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Your losses may be covered by the dog owner’s homeowners or renter’s insurance. You can file a claim with their insurer.
The strength of your claim depends on factors like the dog’s history and the circumstances of the attack. For example, a dog’s owner is generally not liable for injuries the dog causes to anyone who was trespassing or who provoked the dog. You should consult an experienced dog bite lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
What Happens if the Dog Owner Has No Insurance?
You may still have options for recovering compensation even if a dog’s owner carries no insurance. In some cases, you can pursue the owner’s personal assets directly through a lawsuit. You might also have a claim against someone other than the dog’s owner, such as a negligent property owner, if the attack happened on the property of someone other than the owner.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in NC?
Under North Carolina law, the typical deadline to file a dog bite lawsuit is three years from when the dog bit you. It’s best to contact a dog bite attorney as soon as possible, though, so they can preserve key evidence and have as much time as possible to build a robust case.
Contact a North Carolina Dog Bite Lawyer
Recovering fair compensation for a dog bite in North Carolina requires strong evidence, shrewd negotiations, and a proven willingness to defend your rights in court. That’s what you’ll find at The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A. Our dog bite lawyers have served North Carolina for over three generations and recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Our dedication to justice and quality customer service has won us loyalty and praise from thousands of people like you, as you can see from our testimonials.
We make the legal process as painless as possible. Call now or contact us online for a free consultation on the specific facts of your dog bite claim.
